BMW 6 Series

Name: 2005 BMW 6 Series
Brand: BMW

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

The 6 Series revives a tradition of a big BMW coupe, the last of which ended with the demise of the 8 Series in the mid-1990s. The new 6 Series shares a platform with the recently redesigned 5 Series, including the cumbersome iDrive control system. The standard engine is the smooth and punchy 4.4-liter V8 that's also found in the 545i and 745i sedans, thus the designation of 645Ci. A soft-top convertible version is available, defying a trend toward folding metal tops. A limited-production, high-performance V10-powered M6 is new.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW 6 Series

vs. Similar Cars

Acura TL

Lexus ES

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2005 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2005 BMW 6 Series

$5,700 - $6,325

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

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2005 Acura RL

$4,975

CR MPG:

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2005 Acura TL

$4,525 - $4,725

CR MPG:

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Audi A6

$4,175 - $5,325

CR MPG:

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2005 BMW 5 Series

$4,725 - $4,925

CR MPG:

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2005 Buick LaCrosse

$3,875 - $4,125

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2005 Cadillac CTS

$3,425 - $10,225

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2005 Infiniti M

$ NA

CR MPG:

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2005 Jaguar S-Type

$3,750 - $5,800

CR MPG:

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lexus ES

$5,900

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lexus GS

$5,975 - $6,150

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Lincoln LS

$3,750 - $3,775

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$4,675 - $10,075

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo S80

$3,525 - $4,575

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury midsized cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 2 rear

Drive Wheels

Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

convertible

coupe

7-speed Sequential
6-speed Automatic
6-speed Sequential
6-speed Manual

4.4-liter V8 (325 hp)
5-liter V10 (500 hp)

Model History

2012-

Current Generation

A redesign for 2012 brought the four-door Grand Coupe, along with power from a 3.0-liter, turbo six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The V8 delivers ferocious acceleration and an invigorating exhaust note. Handling is much sharper than the 5 Series, making this more of a driver's car than its predecessor. The M version is even more performance oriented. The manual transmission is unusual for this class. AWD is available. 2019 was the final year for the big 6 Series.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

The 6 Series coupe and convertible share a platform with the 5 Series. The V8 engine is smooth and punchy and the car's handling is agile. However, the ride can be choppy at low speeds. Although a luxurious and relaxing cruiser with a powerful drivetrain and sporty reflexes, the 650i is hampered by the cumbersome iDrive system. Many simple functions, including radio, climate, navigation and vehicle settings, require multiple inputs and pull the driver's attention away from the road for too long. Voice commands are also available, but they take time to learn. Fortunately, there are dedicated buttons for temperature settings and radio volume. Still though, the rear seat is adequate for small adults on short trips and the 6 Series BMW has a relatively useful trunk.